At TGIS Aviation, we believe great leadership goes beyond technical expertise — it’s also about understanding people. That’s why our webinar series explores topics that strengthen not just aviation knowledge, but the human skills behind high-performing teams.
In October, we were joined by Dr. Lynda Shaw, cognitive neuroscientist and business psychologist, for an insightful session on Unconscious Bias in Aviation — a thought-provoking look at how our brains make snap judgements without us even realising it.
Lynda, whose doctorate explored unconscious processing, explained how our minds rely on mental shortcuts – or heuristics – to help us make quick decisions. But these shortcuts can quietly shape how we perceive others, affecting teamwork, leadership, and decision-making.
Here are some key takeaways from the session — especially valuable for managers and aspiring leaders:
Confirmation Bias – We often look for evidence that supports what we already believe.
💡 Tip: Take a mindful pause to review all the facts before deciding.Affinity Bias – We naturally favour people who are similar to us in background or experience. True inclusion grows when we evaluate ideas and individuals on merit, not similarity.
💡 Tip: Intentionally include voices who think differently to broaden your team’s perspective.Distance Bias – Remote or off-site team members can sometimes be overlooked.
💡 Tip: Stay connected with informal check-ins to ensure everyone feels valued and visible.
Leadership takeaway: When people feel seen and heard, bias loses its power. Recognising individuals for their unique strengths creates stronger, fairer, and more effective teams.
This session offered simple, practical ways to apply these lessons right away — whether in meetings, daily interactions, or team decisions.
🎥 Missed it? The replay is available to everyone who registered.
